Doctors want to keep you our of the emergency room this holiday season. Already, the staff at West Boca Medical Center has seen an increase in patients.
Dr. Giovanna Ungaro says she's treated patients with sprained ankles, broken bones and hurt backs who were hurt from putting up Christmas decorations, or going into the attic to find those decorations.
Another typical visit to the ER this year is to treat a cut or burn from cooking that big holiday meal.
Ungaro suggests focusing on one things at a time. Try not to get overwhelmed by the season.
She says drinking excessive amounts of alcohol only makes things worse.
"The incidents increase. [People] getting on the road, drinking and driving. [We see] altercations between families, or people on the street, or at the mall. We see people in the ER after assaults," she explains.
Doctors at West Boca have seen some cases of the flu this holiday season. They say it may be easier for you to catch the virus, especially if you're around more people during the holidays.
Ungaro's best advice for staying safe on Christmas Day is to read the instructions on your child's new toy before letting them play with it.
